In a surprising turn of events, a former Catholic priest of 17 years, has renounced his clerical duties, moving from pulpit to shrine. He prefers to be a herbalist, embracing the African Traditional Religion (ATR).
Dr. Echezona Obiagbaosogu is currently a lecturer in African Traditional Religion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. His transition from Christianity to ATR was influenced by his upbringing.
He was raised by a traditionalist maternal grandfather and a Christian father, who valued indigenous medicinal plants. Obiagbaosogu therefore developed an early appreciation for African spirituality.
This foundation was further solidified during his academic pursuits. His PhD dissertation titled “Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine,” focused on Isieke in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Embracing knowledge from pulpit to shrine
Obiagbaosogu said the desire to reclaim and preserve African values eroded by colonial influences drove him into action. Hence, he apprenticed under a renowned native doctor to master the art of rainmaking. He asserts that his shift is not a rejection of God but an embrace of the divine through ancestral traditions. “I have come to realise that my true calling is to serve my people through the ancient traditions of our ancestors,” he stated.
The lecturer declined to delve into the specifics of his resignation. But he emphasized that his decision was a matter of personal conviction and self-discovery. “Life is a process… One important thing is for the person to know themselves,” he remarked.
Obiagbaosogu’s departure from the Catholic Church is not an isolated incident. In March 2023, Prof. Pius Abioje, former Head of the Department of Religion at the University of Ilorin, resigned from his priestly duties after 15 years to practice ATR. Abioje cited a quest for authenticity and a deeper connection to his heritage as reasons for his decision.
Reactions from the clergy and scholars
The Catholic community has expressed mixed reactions to these transitions. Some clergy view the departures as a challenge to the Church’s engagement with African cultural contexts. A priest in Cameroon, Father Humphrey Tatah Mbuy, argues that ATR has been historically misunderstood. He urges that it should be studied as a religion in its own right. He suggests that Christianity has roots in African Traditional Religion.
Prominent traditionalists commend Obiagbaosogu’s decision as a courageous step towards cultural renaissance. They argue that such moves can help demystify and legitimize ATR practices. A sociologist, Mathew Idemudia, argues that such moves foster broader acceptance of indigenous knowledge systems. He suggested that the resurgence of interest in ATR could be a response to the perceived inadequacies of foreign religious frameworks in addressing local existential realities.
Dr Semiu Ogada, a philosopher, highlights the epistemological significance of these transitions. He suggests they prompt a reevaluation of the dichotomy between science and spirituality. Obiagbaosogu himself notes that, “Science is essentially what was once magic.”
Leave feedback about this